GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Tens of thousands of people across the metro are without power due to Wednesday night's severe weather.
According to Xcel Energy, more than 40,000 people around the Twin Cities area were without power as of about 5:00 a.m.
To report a power outage, click here.
"Hundreds of employees are out working to safely restore electric service to customers as quickly as possible," read a press release. "We understand that power outages can be a major inconvenience for customers, and we appreciate customers’ understanding, patience and kindness as our crew members work to restore power."
The press released continued: "When it comes to restoring power, top priority is given to situations that threaten public safety, such as live downed wires. Repair priority is based on what will restore power to the largest number of customers most quickly, such as transmission lines or feeder lines that serve large amounts of customers."
The National Weather Service reported strong wind gusts — nearly 80 mph — and quarter-sized hail.
Nick captured the lighting flashing over Minneapolis.
The lightning could be seen all over the metro Wednesday night. Jade got a video of the bright storm from White Bear Lake.
Along with the stunning light show came heavy rains, as Scott shows in the vide he shot from Elk River.
And in Inver Grove Heights the storm dumped not only rain and lighting, but hail as well as Roger shows in this video:
Severe weather triggered a situation in greater Minnesota that cost a woman her life. Martha Rodriguez, 30, died in a crash on Interstate 90 in Southwestern Minnesota Wednesday evening, the state patrol said. Storms knocked down power lines across the interstate where it cuts through Nobles County and the car Rodriguez was riding in stopped to avoid hitting the wires and was struck by a large truck.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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